Hardie is on loan at Livi from Rangers until the end of the season.
Michael Stewart has told BBC Sportscene that he believes Rangers should allow Livingston to keep Ryan Hardie until the end of the season – rather than recalling him in January.
Hardie, 21, has finally recovered from a foot injury to play for Livi in six of their last seven Scottish Premiership outings, and has now clocked up five league goals in that time – including a brace against Hearts.
It has led to calls from Rangers fans to bring him back to Ibrox in January, and Hardie told the Scottish Sun last week that a clause would have to be struck if he was to remain at Livi beyond January.
“There are still discussions to be had. I’m here until January for now and there was an option to extend, so we are just going through the process and seeing what is best for me,” Hardie said.
Now, former Hibernian and Hearts midfielder Stewart responded by urging Rangers to strike that clause and allow Hardie to continue to prosper at the Tony Macaroni Stadium – rather than bringing him back to Ibrox for the odd outing.
“I think so,” Stewart said, when asked if Rangers should let him stay. “He’s doing a great job at Livingston, he’s making a difference there. Is he going to get a game at Rangers? I don’t think so.
“I think it’s beneficial for him to stay and play, and perform well at Livingston.”
Rangers are likely to be on the lookout for a striker next month, after Umar Sadiq has seemingly returning to AS Roma with his season-long loan cut short. It leaves just Kyle Lafferty and Alfredo Morelos as senior options.
Eduardo Herrera remains on the books but the Mexico international is on loan at Santos Laguna, while Andrew Dallas has been firing in the goals for the Under-20 side but is yet to make his senior debut.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
